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Performance and Stage Presence by Carl Dawkins
Performing on stage is something we all have to think about and evaluate at one point or another when we start to play live. Everyone has their own views and ideas on what they should and should not do, and most importantly, what their performance will bring to the live show.
This is just the opinion of one musician. When I attend gigs, I don’t want to be standing there having nothing to look at, nothing that’s catching my eye. Frontmen/women who are energetic have always made an impression on me, and I always remember them.
Now, this applies to all of the musicians in a band. When you hear a track on your IPod, you may be occupied with another task, a bit like talking on the phone to someone – they’re not going to be able to see you, so you don’t have to worry about how you look. Think of a live gig as having a conversation with someone in person—you are using your music to talk, however the audience can see you while you are talking to them. This is just one of the ways you can view your performance on stage.
I do realize that with every genre comes a certain level of demand on different instruments, but no matter what style of music you are playing there is always room for “performing”, be it subtle or exaggerated. I will be trying to focus on genres as a whole, as well as general performing tips that we should all take into consideration when playing.
I am currently at the international guitar festival in Cheltenham UK. I’m the house bass player along with the house drummer Henry Appleby. Henry is a pleasure to work with, and shares my views on performing. Every person involved with the performance needs to share the same respect for a good show, and be willing to perform out of there comfort zone if required.
Being the house Rhythm section, we have had to play a diverse range of styles over the last the 10 days. This gave both of us the opportunity to practice changing our performance style to suit the music, and the other musicians we happen to play with.
What I have realized over the last 5 years is that many musicians play with their back to the crowd. At certain times, that’s acceptable, as you need to cue someone who is behind you, or to rock out with the drummer for a few bars. However, if you have your back to the audience, it defeats the objective of the crowd coming to see you play. You wouldn’t turn your back on someone while talking to them, and the same should hold true for your performance on stage.
Here are some great examples of this:
Both of these performances are from Glastonbury. Pendulum’s stage presence is incredible…take note on how the band is playing to the crowd, and also how they are standing. Your stance can make a lot of difference to how you are perceived on stage. This is one thing a lot of people seem to underestimate. You could unintentionally look awkward on stage. It happens to all of us at one point or another, so try to be aware of it.
The second video is the very talented Beyonce and here remarkable backing band…now there is a serious amount of choreography. Each member has an assigned space on stage, yet each musician is holding there own, performing and fitting in place with the theme of the set.
We all rehearse and do production rehearsals before a tour to make sure everything fits before taking it to the stage. This preparation is always a must. You want to rehearse as if you’re playing live. This is something I have always done in bands, on all levels, just to make sure the show is going to come across in the right way, so you know the show was good after you’ve finished.
A good tip; practice something while being recorded, or in front of a mirror, or get a good friends feedback. I have always been in favor of adding some kind of character to my performance, and not just in my playing. Some may disagree, but from a live aspect, they work hand in hand.
The most important part of performing is making sure everything fits in with what is happening during the songs, “that” is what truly makes a great performer.
Carl Dawkins
www.caldawkins.co.uk
Gear News
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
Spector offers Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses…
Spector, a leading authority in bass guitar design, unveils two new Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses. Synonymous with bass excellence since 1987, Wimbish collaborated with Spector’s USA Custom Shop to create the DW-4 and DW-5 models, echoing the iconic instruments that have been favored heavily throughout his recording and performing career.
These signature basses faithfully replicate Wimbish’s originals, down to the smallest details like neck contours and nut widths. Customized EMG pickups, developed in collaboration with Wimbish, capture the distinctive sound that has shaped his monumental musical impact. These models invite players to explore the feel and response that have defined Wimbish’s signature style over the years.
Available in 4-string and 5-string versions, each model boasts unique features & finish options. The DW-4 comes in Amber Stain Gloss and Black Stain Gloss options, while the DW-5 offers Dark Blue Stain Gloss and Faded Natural Gloss. Every purchase includes a certificate of authenticity signed by Doug Wimbish. Wimbish comments, “Spector took the time to get every little nuance right, and that to me is dedication and being thoughtful enough to know ‘I want to nail it,’ and they did. I’m able to pick these instruments up for the first time and play them like I’ve already had them for years.”
For more information, visit spectorbass.com/doug-wimbish-usa-signature-series/.
Photo: Doug Wimbish, pictured with the new Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses
Bass CDs
New Campaign: Alberto Rigoni, Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings
Italian bass master and composer ALBERTO RIGONI is thrilled to announce his brand new project “Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings”.
Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings features a super talented drummer from Japan (TBA) and tons of female guitarists such as SAKI, Giusy Busetto, Alexandra Zerner (TBC) and many many others (TBA). Furthermore, Alberto has also launched a Fundraising Campaign for the project. 20% of the income will be donated to Lega del Filo d’Oro legadelfilodoro.it/it, an Italian association that helps deaf and blind children!
Alberto shares:
“Hello friends and music lovers! I’m Alberto Rigoni, an Italian composer and.. a BASS GUY! Between 2008 and 2024 I released 13 solo albums, spanning from progressive, rock, ambient to funky and experimental music, which also features contributions from musicians such as keyboard wizard Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater) drummer Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree) and Marco Minnemann (the Aristocrats), keyboardist Kevin Moore (ex Dream Theater), singer John Jeff Soto (ex Goran Edman (ex Y. Malmsteen), bassists Nathan East, Stu Hamm (Joe Satriani), Nik West (ex Prince) and many others. I’m also bass player for BAD As, Sunset Groove Society, Kim Bingham, The Italians bands and co-producer of Mistheria’s Vivaldi Metal Project.”
Alberto on the new project Nemesis Call:
“Even if my latest album “Unexpected Lullabies”, dedicated to my newborn Vittoria Parini Rigoni, will be released on June 4th, 2024, when Vittoria came to life I felt the need to compose new music (yes, I really can’t stop!!!!!). This time will be quite challenging because I’m willing to release an instrumental ambient/prog/rock/metal album, that will feature a talented and young drummer (TBA) and tons of female guitarists (that’s why I will call the album “Queens of the Strings”) such as Alexandra Zerner, YOKA and many others (TBA/TBC)). It won’t be easy to manage all such great musicians but I will make it!! Are you ready to face a new prog experience? The album will be released in Digipack CD and in high-quality digital format approximately at the beginning of 2025.”
The Fundraising Campaign:
As an independent artist, Alberto is looking for supporters who can help him reach the budget for the production (recordings, mix, mastering, artwork etc.) of this new album and has started this fundraising campaign that will end successfully on October 15th, 2024.
Get further information about Alberto Rigoni’s new project Nemesis Call Fundraising campaign at albertorigoni.net/nemesiscal
Bass Videos
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
Bassist Derek Frank…
Many of you will remember the last time I chatted with Derek Frank was back in 2017. The main thing that impressed me was how busy Derek was and how he juggled playing with many huge acts.
Now, I am happy to hear that Derek launched a new album last March titled “Origin Story” where he digs deep into his roots and pays homage to Pittsburg.
Join me as we get caught up after all these years and hear the details about the new album, how Derek gets his sound, and his plans for the future.
Photo, Stephen Bradley
Featured Videos:
Visit Online:
www.derekfrank.com
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This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Check out our top 10 favorite basses on Instagram this week…
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Gear News
New Gear: Alberto Rigoni Signature Bass, the VPR5 by Gaetano Costanzo!
Alberto Rigoni Signature Bass, the VPR5 by Gaetano Costanzo!
Internationally renowned bassist ALBERTO RIGONI (soloist, BAD AS, Vivaldi Metal Project, TwinSpirits, etc.) is proud to announce the release of his signature bass VPR5 made by renowned Italian luthier Gaetano Costanzo!
The bass is entirely handmade in Italy, without the use of CNC or other machinery, and has rather special features. The VPR is a 5-string bass (but also available as a 4-string) with 30 frets, Seymour Duncan pickups, Music Man Alnico style, passive electronics (volume, tone and a switch to select series/parallel/single-coil mode), alder body, and American maple neck and fingerboard. Gotoh tuners that ensure perfect intonation. The bass is totally painted white (nitro finish) but other colors can be requested. The VPR has a weight of about 2.9 kg and suitable for any genre.
For more information contact Gaetanobass77@gmail.com or visit online at www.instagram.com/gaetanocostanzoluthier or www.facebook.com/GaetanoCostanzoLuthier
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
String Instrument Humidifiers
Interview With Bassist Graham Stanush
Review: CrystalBright Rombo Picks
This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
String Instrument Humidifiers
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
